OLYMPIA — Upholding the freedom to vote is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of a democracy. To that end, the Washington State Legislature recently approved three House bills and two Senate bills aimed at strengthening voting rights protections and ensuring elections are fair, accessible, and trustworthy:
- OUR SHIELD: HB 1710—Prevents unjust and discriminatory voting systems before they happen.
- OUR SWORD: HB 1750—Strengthens remedies when voting rights violations occur.
- OUR SAFEGUARDS:
- HB 1916 —Prevents mass challenges to voting rolls and protects against purging voters.
- SB 5892—Keeps sensitive personal voting data from being shared.
- OUR PROMISE: SB 6035—Provides voting services on Tribal reservations.
Washington has historically been a leader in ensuring access to the ballot. These five bills build on that legacy by reinforcing voter protections and election integrity so that every Washingtonian can participate fully in the democratic process.
—————————
HB 1710 – Preventing discriminatory election changes
On March 4, the Senate passed House Bill 1710, which establishes a state-level voting rights preclearance process. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena (D–Tacoma), who chairs of the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee.
Under her bill, jurisdictions that have previously violated voting rights laws must obtain approval from the Attorney General’s Office before implementing elections-related changes that could risk disenfranchising voters. By allowing the state to review potentially harmful election changes before they take effect, Mena’s bill helps prevent discrimination rather than leaving voters with no option but to spend time and money in challenging those changes after the damage is done.
“Voting is a right, not a privilege, and protecting that right means making sure discrimination never has the chance to take root in the first place,” said Mena. “My bill creates a proactive approach to shield communities that have historically faced barriers to voting by ensuring they aren’t forced to fight those battles time and time again. Our state must ensure that every voter — regardless of their zip code, can participate in elections freely and fairly.”
—————————
HB 1750 – Strengthening the Washington Voting Rights Act
The Senate approved House Bill 1750 on February 28. Sponsored by Rep. Natasha Hill (D–Spokane), the measure strengthens the Washington Voting Rights Act by clarifying how voting rights violations are addressed and how jurisdictions can resolve them.
Hill’s legislation provides clearer guidance for voter suppression and allows jurisdictions more flexibility to adopt remedies prior to litigation.
“Ensuring fair elections in every state is paramount for a representative democracy to function,” said Hill. “This bill helps even the playing field and ensure voting rights continue to be protected in this Washington.”
—————————
HB 1916 – Protecting voters with accurate voter rolls
On March 3, the Senate passed House Bill 1916, introduced by Rep. Beth Doglio (D–Olympia), to update Washington’s voter registration challenge process. The bill ensures voter rolls remain accurate, while protecting eligible voters from improper or politically motivated challenges.
Accurate voter rolls are essential for secure and trustworthy elections, but the challenge process must also safeguard voters from being unfairly targeted or disenfranchised. Doglio’s legislation strengthens protections, clarifies procedures, and ensures eligible voters cannot be wrongly removed from voter rolls.
“Voting is our fundamental right and key to maintaining our democracy. We know that the right to vote is under attack across this country – sometimes by random swaths of voter registration challenges. But, in Washington, we now have safeguards aimed at ensuring people are not disenfranchised simply by a politically motivated challenge to their right to vote,” said Doglio.
—————————
SB 5892 – Safeguarding sensitive voter information
On March 9, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5892, brought forward by Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D–Spokane), to protect confidential personal information in Washington’s voter registration database. This bill prohibits county election offices from releasing election security information and voter registration data, including driver’s license & ID numbers, Social Security numbers, and full birthdates, in response to public records requests.
Washington’s election security data and the personal information of voters must be protected from illegitimate intrusions on voters’ privacy. Riccelli’s legislation ensures that no Washingtonian will be put at risk simply for exercising their right to vote and holds bad actors accountable for attempts to exploit our election security measures.
“Voters in Washington deserve a secure and accurate election system. This legislation will ensure sensitive voter information, like ID or drivers’ license numbers, social security numbers, and full birthdates, is protected. Attempts by federal officials to access protected information are unnecessary and illegitimate intrusions on voters’ privacy.” Riccelli said.
—————————
SB 6035 – Ensuring access for all Washington voters
Senate Bill 6035, sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman (D–Kent), passed the House on March 3. The legislation will improve access for Washingtonians who face the biggest barriers to voting. It requires collaboration between county auditors, the Secretary of State, and federally recognized Indian tribes to increase voting among Native Americans. It also creates an electronic ballot return portal for Tribal members living on reservations, military & overseas voters, and voters with disabilities.
Simple, accessible voting processes are critical to maintaining free and fair elections. Kauffman’s legislation will increase access to the ballot for a group whose voter participation has lagged behind other populations.
“Voting should be accessible to every eligible voter, no matter where they live. For many Tribal communities, distance, infrastructure challenges, and other barriers have made it harder to participate fully in our elections,” Kauffman said. “This legislation strengthens collaboration with Tribal governments and creates additional tools to ensure Native voters — along with military and overseas voters and voters with disabilities — have a clear, secure path to the ballot.”
—————————
This package of focused legislation underscores Washington’s commitment to fair elections, strong voting rights protections, and election systems that work for every voter.
The bills that were amended in their opposite chamber now return to their original body for concurrence before they head to the governor’s desk.
###
|
|
For interviews or more information:
-
Rep. Sharlett Mena: Lilia.Nieto@leg.wa.gov
-
Rep. Natasha Hill: Megan.Stockhausen@leg.wa.gov
-
Rep. Beth Doglio: Megan.Stockhausen@leg.wa.gov
-
Sen. Marcus Riccelli: Chris.West@leg.wa.gov
-
Sen. Claudia Kauffman: Olivia.Heersink@leg.wa.gov